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Management and Treatment of Eye Diseases
- Age-Related Macular
Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a disease that can cause blind
spots in your vision or affect your ability to see
detailed objects. There are two forms of macular
degeneration, dry and wet. In the dry form, which is the
most common, small changes to your macula develop and
begin causing little blind areas of which you may not
even be aware. The dry form of macular degeneration has
the potential to develop into the wet form, in which a
newly formed blood vessel can leak and cause a large
blind spot to form. The biggest risk factor for
developing macular degeneration is a family history of
the condition. Dr. Ortiz checks every patient for signs
of macular degeneration as part of a comprehensive eye
examination and will discuss with you any changes she
notices during your exam. While there are no definitive
treatments to prevent the development of macular
degeneration, eating a well-balanced diet rich in
anti-oxidants and other eye-healthy nutrients, as well as
regularly protecting your eyes from harmful UV damage may
help prevent you from developing the disease.
From the All About Vision web site...
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- Cataracts
Cataracts are caused by the crystalline lens inside the
eye gradually becoming less clear as we get older. While
cataracts may worsen over time, it is important to note
that they do not grow. The clouding of the lens can be
caused by a number of factors, but the most common cause
is UV damage that occurs throughout our lifetime. As the
lens becomes cloudy, vision can become dim and hazy and
may cause some difficulty with everyday tasks such as
reading, watching television, and driving at night. Dr.
Ortiz can help manage these visual changes with
prescriptive eyewear, and if appropriate, make a referral
to a respected cataract surgeon. Cataract surgery is an
out-patient procedure that can bring back your bright,
crisp vision.
- Diabetes and Diabetic
Retinopathy
Every patient with diabetes should have a complete
dilated eye examination every year. Diabetes can damage
the walls of your blood vessels and allow some blood to
leak out into the body where it should not be. Your eyes
are the only place in your body we can see those blood
vessels to check for any damage. Diabetes can also
stimulate the growth of new blood vessels that can leak
and damage the retina. Any of those changes noted in the
retina are called Diabetic Retinopathy. If Dr. Ortiz
notices any diabetic retinopathy during your examination,
she will refer you to a retinal specialist to treat those
changes and prevent further damage and vision loss.
- Dry
Eye Disease
Dry eye disease is most often caused by an inability to
produce the correct combination of oily and watery tears
to keep the ocular surface lubricated. The most common
complaints from our dry eye patients are a gritty or
sandy sensation or excessive watering of the eyes. Having
watery eyes may seem the opposite of having dry eyes, but
the symptoms stem from the same cause. When we are not
able to produce the necessary amount of oils to keep our
eyes well-lubricated, our eyes tend to water to help
reduce discomfort. Most people with dry eyes are able to
successfully manage their symptoms with simple lifestyle
changes and over-the-counter lubricant eye drops. More
severe cases may require stronger treatment such as
prescription eye drops. Dr. Ortiz is very comfortable
managing dry eye symptoms and will work with you to find
the best solution to manage your condition.
From the All About Vision web site...
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- Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve in the back of
the eye sometimes called the ?€œsneak thief of
vision.?€ It gets that nickname because there are
most often no symptoms or visible signs of the disease,
but if left untreated can steal your peripheral vision
leaving you with only a small central area through which
you can see. While there are many different forms of the
disease, one of the most notable factors is an increase
in the pressure of the fluid inside the eye (intraocular
pressure). The largest risk factor for glaucoma is having
a family history of the condition. We check for signs of
glaucoma during every comprehensive eye examination, but
some patients that are considered ‘at risk’ for developing the disease may need
more specialized testing. The basic tests include:
checking your eye pressure, evaluating peripheral vision,
and looking closely at the appearance of your optic
nerve. The most common form of treatment for glaucoma is
a prescription eye drop used one or more times daily.
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